A megahit in Taiwan and Hong Kong, The Love Eterne is adapted from the popular folklore Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai (often just called Liang-Zhu). Narrated mostly in Huangmei diao chorus, whose musical segments are melodic but often repetitious, the film nonetheless becomes a sensation among the audience. The story tells how a young girl, Zhu Yingtai, disguises herself as a boy in order to gain entrance to the academy at a time in Chinese history when schools are not open to females. She falls in love with her classmate Liang Shanbo. Tragic results ensue when the truth of her gender is revealed and they plan to marry each other. Li Han-hsiang directs, with assistance from King Hu, with humour and tenderness. Chan Ki-yui’s design and art direction helps to create a sense of lyricism and classicism akin to Chinese ancient landscape paintings, for which he wins Best Art Direction Award at the 10th Asian Film Festival. The film also propels Ivy Ling Bo, who is a newcomer and who crossdresses to play the part of Liang Shanbo, into instant superstardom.

©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All rights reserved.

25/8

(Sat)

2:00pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

23/9

(Sun)

4:30pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive